Cord-reel sanitizer

ABSTRACT

A cord-reel includes a spool for windingly receiving a cord within a spool housing interior and a sanitizer for sanitizing the spool housing interior. According to one embodiment, the sanitizer includes an ultraviolet lamp generating ultraviolet radiation, most preferably having a wavelength between approximately 250 and 260 nanometers, and a reflector redirecting ultraviolet radiation toward the spool housing interior. A control system for activating the sanitizer may include a manual actuation switch or, alternatively, may sense when a cord is unwound from the spool to activate the sanitizer. The control system may be adapted to activate the sanitizer during a predetermined activation time period. The control system may include a light indicator for visually signaling during activation of the sanitizer. The spool housing may define first and second cord openings for respective passage of first and second ends of a cord to an exterior of the spool housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/809,269, filed May 30, 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to cord-reels and more particularly to a cord-reel sanitizer for use on cord-reels in facilities such as hospitals, medical laboratories, research facilities.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Cord-reels are used in many facilities, including hospitals, medical laboratories and research facilities. Such devices include a housing that can be mounted to a wall and that is designed to contain a rolled length of electrical cable or cord. One end of the cord is connected to a power source, such as an outlet. The other end includes a receptacle, such as a standard electrical receptacle configured to receive an electrical plug on a device that requires power.

A spring or powered retraction mechanism is mounted within the housing. The retraction mechanism is used to retract and wind the cord about a spool. Typically, the plug end of the cable sticks out of an opening in the housing. In use, a technician or other individual grabs the plug end of the cord and pulls on it, causing the cord to unroll out of the housing. A device is plugged into the receptacle end and the plug end is connected to a power source, thereby providing power to the device. After the device is unplugged, the user allows the spring in the reel to retract the cord onto the spool.

One drawback to use of such devices in a medical facility or other location where cleanliness is a concern or a requirement is that contaminants, such as germs, bacteria, patient blood, etc. can potentially get trapped within the housing. Normal cleaning procedures require that the cords be wiped down with alcohol swabs or other decontamination chemicals after use. While this procedure is generally adequate, if an area on the cord is missed, contaminants can become trapped within the housing when the cord is retracted. Subsequent extension of the cord could then potentially expose individuals with low immunity, such as patients, to harmful contaminants.

Numerous garments include strings received in tunnels or other enclosures formed in the garment. Examples of such garments include sweat pants or shorts having a waist string received in a string tunnel defined at a waist of the garment, and hooded sweatshirts having draw strings received in a string tunnel defined in the hood. In each of the these garments, end portions of the string extend outwardly from openings formed at the opposites ends of the string tunnel. In each of these garments, opposite ends of the string are grasped by a user for application of a pulling force to the string to tighten a portion of the garment (e.g., the waist of a pair of sweat pants) on the user. The ends of the string may then be tied to each other to secure the garment in the desired condition.

The relative movement between the string and the string tunnel of such garments is necessary for the above-described tightening function. However, the need for relative motion between the string and the tunnel can also have the undesirable effect of one or both of the ends of the string being drawn completely into the string tunnel. Withdrawal of the string end into the interior of the string tunnel in this manner renders the string unusable or “lost.” The risk that the string of such garments will become lost within the string tunnel of the garment is particularly great during laundering of the garment because of the agitation associated with the washing and drying of garments.

What is needed is a device for securing the end of a string to a garment to limit relative movement between the end of the string and the garment, thereby eliminating the risk that the end of the string will be drawn into a string tunnel of the garment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a cord-reel comprises a spool for windingly receiving a cord within an interior of a spool housing and a sanitizer for sanitizing the interior of the spool housing. According to one embodiment, the sanitizer includes an ultraviolet light assembly including an ultraviolet light source adapted to generate ultraviolet radiation directed into the spool housing interior.

The ultraviolet light assembly preferably includes at least one lamp for generating the ultraviolet radiation and may include a reflector having a reflective surface arranged to redirect at least a portion of the ultraviolet radiation towards the spool housing interior. Preferably, the ultraviolet radiation has a wavelength in a range between approximately 200 nanometers and approximately 300 nanometers and, more preferably between approximately 250 nanometers and 260 nanometers.

Preferably, the cord-reel includes a control system for controlling the activation of the sanitizer. According to one embodiment, the control system includes a manual actuation switch for manually activating the sanitizer. Alternatively, the control system may be adapted to sense when a cord is unwound from the spool to an extended cord position and to activate the sanitizer when the cord is in the extended cord position. The control system may be adapted to activate the sanitizer during a predetermined activation time period. The control system may include a light indicator providing a visual signal during activation of the sanitizer.

According to one embodiment, the spool housing defines first and second cord openings for respective passage of first and second ends of a cord windingly received onto the spool to an exterior of the spool housing. Preferably, the first cord opening is defined at a periphery of the spool housing and the second cord opening is defined at an intermediate location on the spool housing.

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, the drawings show a form of the invention which is presently preferred; it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangement and instrumentality shown.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a cord-reel according to the present invention with a ultraviolet sanitizer mounted onto the reel housing.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the cord-reel of FIG. 1 illustrating the components of the sanitizer.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cord-reel of FIG. 1 taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1 and illustrating the reel with the cord in its retracted position.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the cord-reel of FIG. 1 taken along lines 3-3 in FIG. 1 and illustrating the reel with the cord in its extended position and with the sanitizer on.

FIG. 5 is a front view of another embodiment of the cord-reel sanitizer according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the cord-reel sanitizer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the cord-reel sanitizer of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the cord-reel taken along lines 8-8 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the cord-reel taken along lines 9-9 in FIG. 7

FIG. 10 is an isometric view of the cord-reel of FIG. 5 with the battery compartment cover in the open position and illustrating the power supply components.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention, one embodiment of a cord-reel device 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-5. The cord-reel 10 includes a cord housing 12 which is designed to store a spool of cord 14. While the housing 12 in the illustrated embodiment is shown to be disk shaped, it should be readily apparent that the housing can be formed in any suitable shape desired. Preferably the housing is made from a material that does not promote bacteria or contaminant growth.

The cord 14 includes a first end 16 and a second end 18. Preferably one of the ends includes a receptacle designed to receive a plug (such as a two or three prong electrical plug) from an electrical device. The other end includes a plug or other electrical connection designed to connect to a power source.

The cord-reel 10 may include a mounting bracket 20 for attaching the reel to a structure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the cord 14 is shown retracted into the housing 12. The plug end 18 of the cord extends out of an opening 22 in the housing. The portion of the cord 14 inside the housing 12 is coiled or wound onto a spool 24 and an inner section 26 of the cord extends through the center of the spool and out of a second opening 28 in the housing.

The cord-reel 10 preferably includes a spring or other conventional retraction mechanism (not shown) that retracts the cord 14 from its extended position to its wound or retracted position. The retraction mechanism may be a motor that is engaged with the spool and configured to rotate the spool when activated so as to retract the cord, i.e., rotate the spool counterclockwise in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, the retraction mechanism may be a coil spring or a hand crank.

The above described cord-reel 10 may be a conventional cord reel sold on the market, such as Model 200911-1, sold by Ametek/Hunter Spring Products.

A sanitizer 30 is mounted to the housing 12. As shown in the exemplary embodiment depicted in the figures, the UV sanitizer is preferably mounted on a top end of the housing. However, other mounting arrangements are possible.

The sanitizer 30 includes a base 32 which is attached to the housing 12. The base 32 includes an internal passage 34 that communicates with an opening 36 in the housing 12. A cover 38 preferably removably mounts to the top of the base 32.

A light assembly 40 is mounted to the cover 38 and positioned so as to emit light through the internal passage 34 and into the housing 12. The light assembly preferably includes a light source 42 such as a bulb or other emitting device designed to emit a wavelength of light suitable for eradicating contaminants. One particular light source useful in the present invention is a lamp designed to produce ultraviolet (UV) light. Ultraviolet radiation in the 200-300 nanometer (nm) range has been determined to be effective in killing microorganisms such as airborne and surface bacteria, viruses, yeasts and molds. A Germicidal Effectiveness Curve (based upon effect on a common bacterium) shows a peak of photic absorption by bacterial DNA at 265 nm. There are commercially available light sources that generate UV light at the 254 nm wavelength, which is close to the effectiveness peak and well within the top range of the effectiveness curve. Such light sources are used extensively in air and water purification applications in the food and beverage industry, in medical sanitization applications, drinking water purification, and sewage treatment. One light source that may be used in the present device is one or more LEDs arranged to provide sufficient light within the UV range necessary to provide the disinfection. In the present invention, the light source is mounted so as to illuminate the interior of the housing, thereby killing microorganisms that may be present inside the housing.

A reflector 44 is preferably mounted to the cover 38 so as to reflect light that would otherwise pass away from internal passage, thus intensifying the amount of light directed into the housing. The reflector 44 may include a white, mirror or other highly reflective coating to maximize the reflectivity. Such a coating may also be coated on some or all of the interior of the housing 12 so as to maximize the reflection of the UV light within the housing 12.

The present invention preferably includes a control system 50 for controlling activation of the light source. In one embodiment, the control system includes a manual activation switch for manually activating the light source. The switch may be a toggle, timer, depression or other conventional switch that closes a circuit for activating the light source for a period of time.

In another embodiment, the control system includes a sensor or switch (not shown) that detects when the cord is extended from the housing. At that point the control system activates the light source to illuminate the inside of the housing 12 as shown in FIG. 4, thus eradicating germs or other contaminants that might be located within the housing 12. A coating, such as a white, mirror or other highly reflective coating or layer 80, may also be coated or placed on some or all of the interior of the housing 12 so as to maximize the reflection of the UV light within the housing 12. As shown in FIG. 4, the coating 80 increases the reflection of the UV light within the housing 12.

A power source 52, such as one or more batteries, is also located within the cover 38. A removable access panel 54 is attached to the cover 38 and seals an opening that permits access to the batteries. Of course, other power sources, such as A/C power, may be used with the present invention.

When activated, the light source 42 preferably stays on for a period of time sufficient to effect eradication of germs and bacterium. A timer may be included to control deactivating the light after a desired time. Alternatively, a sensor or other switch may be included that detects when the cord is being retracted and deactivates the light source.

A light indicator 56 may be included in the control system and positioned to provide a visual signal when the light source is activated.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-10, another embodiment of the cord-reel sanitizer is shown. Most of the components are similar to those described with reference to FIGS. 1-4 and, as such, the same numerals are used to reference the components.

In this embodiment, the light indicator 56 is preferably a window formed in the base 32 at a suitable location so that, when the light source 42 is on, light emitted from the light source illuminates the window, thus indicating that the light is activated.

In the illustrated embodiment, the control system, including the power supply 50 and associated circuitry is preferably located on the back of the base 32. The power source 52, preferably batteries, are preferably positioned in the cover portion above the base, on either side of the reflector 44. A slidable battery cover 54 permits the batteries to be accessed for replacement when necessary.

As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the light source 42 may be a single tubular UV lamp. However, as discussed above, other light sources are contemplated, including LEDs.

While the present invention has been described and illustrated with the light source positioned so as to illuminate the interior of the housing 12, it is also contemplated that the sanitizer light source could be mounted to the housing but positioned around the cord at the opening 22 such that the UV light is directed onto the cord as it is moved in and out of the housing.

The foregoing describes the invention in terms of embodiments foreseen by the inventor for which an enabling description was available, notwithstanding that insubstantial modifications of the invention, not presently foreseen, may nonetheless represent equivalents thereto. 

1. A cord-reel comprising: a spool housing defining an interior; a spool rotatably supported within the spool housing interior, the spool adapted to windingly receive a cord within the spool housing interior; and a sanitizer mounted to the housing in communication with the spool housing interior, the sanitizer adapted to sanitize the spool housing interior.
 2. The cord-reel according to claim 1, wherein the sanitizer includes a housing defining an interior that communicates with the spool housing interior and an ultraviolet light assembly located within the sanitizer housing interior, the ultraviolet light assembly including an ultraviolet light source adapted to generate ultraviolet radiation directed into the spool housing interior from the sanitizer housing interior to sanitize the spool housing interior.
 3. The cord-reel according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet light assembly has a wavelength in a range between approximately 200 nanometers and approximately 300 nanometers.
 4. The cord-reel according to claim 3, wherein the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet light assembly has a wavelength in a range between approximately 250 nanometers and 260 nanometers.
 5. The cord-reel according to claim 2, wherein the sanitizer housing includes a base attached to the spool housing and a cover removably mounted to the base, the base defining an internal passage communicating with an opening defined by the spool housing.
 6. The cord-reel according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet light source of the ultraviolet light assembly includes at least one lamp.
 7. The cord-reel according to claim 2, wherein the ultraviolet light assembly further includes a reflector defining a reflective surface arranged to redirect at least a portion of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the ultraviolet light source towards the spool housing interior.
 8. The cord-reel according to claim 7, wherein the reflector includes a reflective coating defining the reflective surface.
 9. The cord-reel according to claim 1 further comprising a control system for controlling the activation of the sanitizer.
 10. The cord-reel according to claim 9, wherein the control system includes a manual actuation switch for manually activating the sanitizer.
 11. The cord-reel according to claim 9, wherein the control system is adapted to activate the sanitizer during a predetermined activation time period and to deactivate the sanitizer at the end of the activation time period.
 12. The cord-reel according to claim 9 further comprising a cord windingly received onto the spool for winding of the cord onto the spool in a retracted cord position and unwinding of the cord from the spool in an extended cord position, and wherein the control system is adapted to sense the unwinding of the cord and to activate the sanitizer for sanitizing the spool housing interior while the cord is in the extended cord position.
 13. The cord-reel according to claim 9, wherein the control system includes a light indicator providing a visual signal when the sanitizer is activated.
 14. The cord-reel according to claim 2 further comprising at least one battery for powering the ultraviolet light assembly.
 15. The cord-reel according to claim 1 further comprising a cord having opposite first and second ends windingly received onto the spool within the spool housing interior, and wherein the spool housing defines first and second cord openings for respective passage of the first and second ends of the cord to an exterior of the spool housing.
 16. The cord-reel according to claim 15, wherein the cord includes a plug located at the first end of the cord and a receptacle located at the second end of the cord, and wherein the first cord opening of the spool housing is defined at a periphery of the spool housing and the second cord opening is defined in an intermediate location on the spool housing.
 17. The cord-reel according to claim 1 further comprising a mounting bracket attached to the spool housing for securing the cord-reel to a fixed surface.
 18. A sanitizing cord-reel comprising: a spool housing defining an interior; a spool rotatably supported within the spool housing interior; a cord windingly received onto the spool within the spool housing interior; and a sanitizer including a housing mounted to the spool housing interior, sanitizer housing defining an interior communicating with the spool housing interior, the sanitizer including an ultraviolet light assembly adapted to generate ultraviolet radiation for sanitizing the spool housing interior. 